Dr. Amanda Werdann-Mendez

Hi, I’m Dr. Amanda, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Doctorate in Social Work and a Master of Social Work from Barry University. I provide therapy for adults and couples who may feel overwhelmed, stuck in difficult patterns, or disconnected from the life and relationships they want.

My areas of focus include trauma, PTSD, complex trauma, borderline personality disorder (BPD), anxiety, emotional regulation, anger, relationship difficulties, and other challenges that can develop after difficult or painful experiences. I also work with individuals and couples who are looking to better understand themselves, strengthen their relationships, and create meaningful change.

I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can be honest without judgment while also having the support and guidance to move forward. My goal is to help you understand the patterns that may be keeping you stuck while building practical skills and greater confidence in your ability to navigate life's challenges.

I have specialized training in trauma-informed care and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and I incorporate approaches including CBT, mindfulness, grounding, strengths-based therapy, and trauma-informed interventions based on each client's individual needs.

My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I work with you to understand where your patterns come from, identify what is no longer serving you, and develop healthier ways of responding to life's challenges.

I recognize that insight alone isn't always enough to create change. Therapy can also involve learning practical skills to manage intense emotions, tolerate distress, improve communication, set boundaries, and respond differently when old patterns are activated.

I draw from DBT-informed strategies, CBT, mindfulness, grounding, strengths-based approaches, and trauma-informed care. I also incorporate trauma-focused interventions to help clients process difficult experiences in a safe and manageable way.

Most importantly, I tailor therapy to the person in front of me. Your experiences, goals, strengths, and readiness for change all matter. My role is to provide a supportive space while also helping you make meaningful, sustainable changes in your life and relationships.

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and determine whether I’m the right therapist to support you.

We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, what you have been experiencing, and what you hope will be different as a result of therapy. I’ll also ask questions about your history, relationships, current stressors, strengths, and the patterns you may be noticing in your life.

You don't need to have everything figured out before coming in. You don't need to know exactly what to say or have a clearly defined goal. We can begin wherever you are.

My goal during the first session is to help you feel heard and understood while beginning to develop a direction for our work together. We’ll identify some initial goals and discuss how I can best support you moving forward.

Therapy is a collaborative process, and finding the right fit matters. I want you to feel comfortable being yourself, asking questions, and sharing what you need from therapy.